A new era has begun for intercity bus travel. According to an announcement from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, significant measures affecting intercity bus journeys have been adopted and published in the Official Gazette. These regulatory changes, released as a latest development by the Ministry, took effect immediately after being published on Tuesday, 23 June 2020. The amendments form part of a broader update to the road transport regulation and aim to adapt passenger services to public health requirements.
The revised regulation focuses on measures introduced within the context of the fight against COVID-19 and the gradual return to normal life. A key requirement now in effect is the prohibition of warm or unpackaged refreshments on intercity buses: any food and beverages offered to passengers must be prepackaged. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoğlu emphasized that the update is designed to protect the health of passengers and staff while maintaining essential transport operations. He noted that the country has achieved notable success in its response to the pandemic and that the Ministry will continue strict precautions without compromise.
In addition to food safety measures, the regulation includes provisions intended to support road transport operators. The Ministry has extended the first renewal period for operating permits free of charge for six months, offering temporary relief to carriers operating on national highways. This extension aims to reduce administrative and financial burdens on companies providing passenger transport during the public health emergency.
Packaged Refreshments Required for Passenger Services
Under the new rule announced by Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu, snacks and beverages served on buses must be provided in sealed, labeled packaging. This requirement ensures that all offered items comply with food safety legislation and limits the risk of contamination during distribution. The Ministry has stressed that catering processes on buses must align fully with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and the Scientific Advisory Board, and that operators must follow those guidelines carefully.
The Ministry’s statement made clear that every precaution is taken to safeguard the health of both passengers and transport staff. All measures are intended to reinforce hygiene, mask use, and physical distancing — steps highlighted by national leadership as central to effective pandemic control. Compliance with these principles is seen as vital to preserving public health and the continuity of transportation services.
Operationally, bus companies and staff are expected to adjust their onboard service routines to meet the new packaging and hygiene standards. This change affects how refreshments are sourced, stored and handed out on board, encouraging the use of prepackaged portions distributed in a way that minimizes contact. Transport operators will need to ensure that suppliers meet legal packaging standards and that staff are trained in safe handling and distribution procedures.
The regulatory package also includes oversight measures to verify compliance with the updated rules. Inspections and monitoring will be carried out to ensure that passenger services adhere to food safety requirements and public health recommendations. The Ministry confirmed it will continue to provide guidance to operators and support efforts to maintain essential transport while protecting public health.
Passengers are advised to follow the updated rules when traveling on intercity buses: wear masks, practice physical distancing where possible, and accept only prepackaged food and drink provided onboard. These precautions are part of a coordinated effort to minimize the spread of infection during travel and to protect vulnerable individuals who rely on public transport.
In summary, the new regulatory changes published on 23 June 2020 introduce mandatory packaging for any onboard refreshments, extend permit renewal deadlines for carriers by six months at no cost, and reinforce adherence to health ministry guidelines. These steps are intended to balance the resumption of intercity travel with continued vigilance against COVID-19, supporting both passenger safety and the sustainability of road transport services.